LET JESUS ROLL THE STONE OF SELF AWAY
As we count down the weeks to Easter, we continue to look at many of the stones Jesus’ life, death and resurrection roll away in our life – clearing a path for us to come back to God and be with Him forever!

For the week of March 22nd we’re going to reflect on the stone (barrier) of self. Jesus says He will roll away the stone of self if we put Him first.

Keys for this lesson:

  • Jesus calls each one of us to deny ourselves by putting others first.
  • Jesus calls us to lay down our life so He can live through us and serve others.
  • In our new life with Jesus, we live and move and have our being!

Preparing in Prayer & Thought
Please read through the lesson first so that you are comfortable with it and can tailor it to your children. Please pray for your children before beginning. Pray this week for God to work in their lives and give them hearts that want to know Jesus more and walk in his ways.

Reflection: The fourth stone that needs to be rolled away is SELF.
It’s easy to put ourselves first. We are surrounded every day with messages from those around us and social media that encourage us to do just that. But Jesus tells us that’s not God’s way.

  • “Then Jesus spoke to his disciples. He said, ‘If anyone wants to follow me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross and follow me.'” Matthew 16:24
  • “Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:26

How do we roll away the stone of SELF?

Put God First: Read Matthew 22:37-38

  • What is Jesus saying is the greatest commandment?
  • How does loving God help us to deny ourselves?
  • Denying myself means putting God first. What are some ways we can love God?

Serve Others: Read Mark 10:35-45

  • What did the 2 brothers want Jesus to do for them?
  • What was the reaction of their friends when they heard what they asked Jesus?
  • What did Jesus say makes a person great in the Kingdom of God?
  • What did Jesus say he came to do?
  • A great person serves others! What are some ways you can serve others?

Live for Jesus: Read Galatians 2:20

  • When we receive salvation in Christ, He lives in us, and He leads us into the life he died to give us.
  • He leads us to show others His love through our service and our love for Him.

Pray with your kids

  • Ask for hands and feet that are ready to serve;
  • Pray for ways they can love God more and put others first.

Easter Countdown – Rolling the Stone
This week’s stone has the word “SELF” written on one side and “JESUS” on the other. Place the stone in front of the tomb with the word “JESUS” facing up.

Colouring: Download and print a colour sheet (PDF)

Game: He Came to Serve – Opposites
Have kids stand and face you, with plenty of room on all sides. Then play the opposite game. Instruct the kids to do whatever is the opposite of your instructions. (If you say turn left, they turn right. If you say stand up, they sit down.) Have kids sit out as they make mistakes until you are left with a winner.

Activity: Rocks of Encouragement Craft & Outing
Pick-up some rocks, wash them off and paint them with words or a picture that might encourage or put a smile on someone’s face. Leave them randomly as you take a walk where someone might see it.

Activity: Kindness Ninjas
Think of something kind that you could do for someone else in your home. The goal is to do something without getting caught/seen (i.e. fold laundry, clean-up toys, fun things, fix something, etc.).

Activity: Neighbourhood Walk With Jesus
Go for a walk in your neighbourhood and (at a socially responsible distance) and look at your city and street with the eyes of Jesus. How might you as a family bless a neighbour? Pray before and ask God to give you heart nudges towards a person or creativity towards an out-of-the-box idea.

Questions? Contact Mrs. Kim (diane@parksidechurch.ca).

Written and developed by Rhonda B. and Diane K.